Following the money: factors associated with the cost of treating high-cost Medicare beneficiaries.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To identify factors associated with the cost of treating high-cost Medicare beneficiaries.

Data sources

A national sample of 1.6 million elderly, Medicare beneficiaries linked to 2004-2005 Community Tracking Study Physician Survey respondents and local market data from secondary sources.

Study design

Using 12 months of claims data from 2005 to 2006, the sample was divided into predicted high-cost (top quartile) and lower cost beneficiaries using a risk-adjustment model. For each group, total annual standardized costs of care were regressed on beneficiary, usual source of care physician, practice, and market characteristics.

Principal findings

Among high-cost beneficiaries, health was the predominant predictor of costs, with most physician and practice

SUBMITTER: Reschovsky JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3165175 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature